Two new immersive experiences in Bastogne

On July 9th, the Bastogne War Museum inaugurated its new extension. The museum offers two new experiences: “Generations 45” and “Bois Jacques”. These new installations will allow you to be closer to history. More and more, this museum is establishing itself as a useful documentation and archive center for all.

Generation 45

As its name suggests, this extension takes you to the heart of this era, from 1945 to the fall of the Berlin Wall. This immersive and self-guided tour is punctuated by a series of testimonies of soldiers and inhabitants who endured these harsh ordeals. During the visit, you will discover an old reconstructed neighborhood cinema. A film is aired retracing the social, economic and cultural context of the post-World War II era.

This context is told in an original way by following the lives of two veterans: Sergio, an American, and Karl, a German soldier who chose to stay in a village near Bastogne. Their lives are part of the history of post-war Europe. Thanks to the contribution of their families, this visit offers an authentic and emotional moment. 

The Bois Jacques

We leave the museum in the direction of Bois Jacques! 

Since Spielberg and the famous Tom Hanks, the Bois Jacques has become an essential place of the Battle of the Bulge. In this wood, the no less mythical paratroopers of the 101st Airborne fought in “foxholes”.

From December 19, 1944 to January 17, 1945, the forest of fir trees located between the villages of Foy and Bizory, close to the Mardasson, was crossed by the front line. This site has become a place of pilgrimage which allows to observe the vestiges of the past like these famous foxholes, still visible today.

To offer you an even more exciting experience, the visitor is plunged into the heart of the battles of winter 44 thanks to a brand new application. Its use is very simple: all you need is your smartphone, then a click and the magic happens…  Here you are in the middle of the fight, you share the daily life of the G.I.’s of the Easy company.  Through six episodes, you will live with the characters of Brothers in Arms in 360°. This augmented reality offers a total immersion.

Included in the price of admission to the museum, this app can be downloaded beforehand from Google Play or App Store. But you’ll have to come on site to live the story. Indeed, the application geolocates you to live what happened at the precise place of the facts!

The French youtuber Nota Bene (Benjamin Brillaud), a history specialist, will accompany you on your visit. Thanks to his knowledge, he accompanies you throughout the tour to help you understand the history. 

The application is available in four languages: French, English, German and Dutch.